Introduction
Get ready for fireworks, fight fans — the UFC 318 Fight Card is nothing short of explosive! With legendary rivalries reignited, knockout kings on the prowl, and title dreams hanging in the balance, this card is stacked top to bottom with drama, intensity, and raw combat energy. From the jaw-dropping main event to the blood-boiling undercard battles, the UFC 318 Fight Card isn’t just another PPV — it’s a war zone where every punch could make history. Buckle up, because UFC 318 Fight Card might just be the most electrifying event of the year!
Let’s walk through the entire UFC 318 fight card, detailed predictions, and analytical insights on what to expect inside the Octagon.
UFC 318 Event Details – Date, Time & Broadcast
| Category | Details |
| Event | UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3 |
| Date | Saturday, July 19, 2025 |
| Venue | Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA |
| Main Card Start Time | 10:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM PT |
| Prelims Start | 8:00 PM ET |
| Early Prelims | 6:15 PM ET |
| Broadcast | ESPN+ PPV (Main Card), ESPN & ESPN+ (Prelims), UFC Fight Pass (Early Prelims) |
Official UFC 318 Fight Card
Main Card – ESPN+ PPV
| Matchup | Division | Notes |
| Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier | Lightweight (BMF Title) | Trilogy, Poirier’s final fight |
| Dan Ige vs. Patricio “Pitbull” Freire | Featherweight | Pitbull’s UFC debut |
| Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov | Middleweight | Rescheduled after UFC 317 cancellation |
| Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber | Lightweight | Experience vs. youth |
| Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez | Welterweight | High-volume strikers |
Preliminary Card – ESPN / ESPN+
- Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen (Middleweight)
- Kyler Phillips vs. Vinicius Oliveira (Bantamweight)
- Francisco Prado vs. Nikolay Veretennikov (Welterweight)
- Ateba Gautier vs. Robert Valentin (Middleweight)
Early Prelims – UFC Fight Pass
- Jimmy Crute vs. Marcin Prachnio (Light Heavyweight)
- Adam Fugitt vs. Islam Dulatov (Welterweight)
- Brunno Ferreira vs. Jackson McVey (Middleweight)
- Ryan Spann vs. Lukasz Brzeski (Heavyweight)
- Carli Judice vs. Nicolle Caliari (Women’s Flyweight)
❌ Cancelled: Neil Magny vs. Gunnar Nelson (Nelson suffered a hamstring tear)
Main Event Breakdown – Holloway vs. Poirier 3
A Rivalry Comes Full Circle
- First fought in 2012 (Poirier win via submission)
- Rematched in 2019 (Poirier by decision for Interim LW title)
- Now fighting for the BMF belt
- Poirier confirmed: this is his retirement fight
Fighter Comparison & Key Stats
| Fighter | Record | Significant Strikes Landed/Min | Absorbed/Min | Takedown Defense |
| Max Holloway | 26-7 | 7.21 | 4.89 | 84% |
| Dustin Poirier | 30-9 | 5.52 | 4.3 | 63% |
Prediction:
- Holloway’s output has only increased since his last bout.
- Poirier is still elite, but his damage meter is high.
- Expect Holloway to control distance, wear Poirier down.
Winner Prediction: Max Holloway via unanimous decision
Co-Main Event Prediction – Ige vs. Pitbull
- Pitbull Freire, one of Bellator’s all-time greats, finally debuts in UFC.
- Dan Ige, top-10 gatekeeper, offers a tough welcome.
| Stat Category | Ige | Pitbull |
| Record | 17-7 | 35-6 |
| KO Wins | 5 | 11 |
| Sub Wins | 5 | 12 |
Prediction: Patricio Pitbull wins via split decision. His composure and BJJ advantage might be the deciding factor.
Other Main Card Predictions & Analysis
Paulo Costa vs. Roman Kopylov
Costa’s size and aggression may overwhelm Kopylov, who’s more technical but less powerful.
Prediction: Paulo Costa via KO (Round 2)
Michael Johnson vs. Daniel Zellhuber
- Johnson has the edge in speed and footwork
- Zellhuber is composed, technical, and has reach
Prediction: Zellhuber via unanimous decision
Kevin Holland vs. Daniel Rodriguez
- Both are inconsistent, but Holland’s versatility stands out
- Holland has a better submission game
Prediction: Holland via submission (Round 3)
UFC 318 Prelims – Top Fighters to Watch
Marvin Vettori vs. Brendan Allen
- Allen is on a 5-fight win streak
- Vettori brings durability and top control
Prediction: Brendan Allen via split decision
Kyler Phillips vs. Vinicius Oliveira
- Fast starter vs. untested chin
Prediction: Phillips via KO (Round 1)
Francisco Prado vs. Veretennikov
- Prado has raw power and forward pressure
Prediction: Prado via TKO (Round 2)
Early Prelims Breakdown
Fighters to Watch:
- Islam Dulatov: Rising undefeated prospect
- Brunno Ferreira: KO specialist
Jimmy Crute: Needs a big rebound win
UFC 318 Revenue & Hype Metrics
| Metric | Projected Value |
| Gate Revenue | $9–10 million |
| PPV Buys | 500K–600K |
| Social Impressions | Over 70M mentions in fight week |
| Fighter Bonuses | Expected $50K–$75K |
UFC 318 Rankings Impact & Future Stakes
- Winner of Holloway vs. Poirier could challenge for UFC lightweight gold
- Costa, if victorious, could enter middleweight title picture
Zellhuber, if dominant, might get a Top-15 fight next
Explosive News: UFC White House Event Confirmed for 2026!
Could the Octagon be heading to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue? According to insiders, UFC is set to hold an event at the White House in 2026, possibly under the banner of Trump’s America250 celebration. If finalized, this would be the most politically symbolic MMA event ever staged. From national unity to promotional genius, this fight card may redefine sports diplomacy. Catch all the jaw-dropping details in our full breakdown.
Final Summary – Why UFC 318 Is Unmissable
- UFC 318 fight card delivers storylines, finishes, debuts, and farewells
- Max Holloway vs. Dustin Poirier 3 may go down as one of the best lightweight trilogies
With legends, prospects, and redemption arcs all packed into one card, UFC 318 is pure MMA fireworks
The UFC 318 Fight Card promises an unforgettable night of elite MMA action, stacked with high-stakes matchups and fan-favorite fighters. From thrilling title bouts to rising contenders, every fight on the UFC 318 Fight Card has the potential to shift divisional rankings and deliver highlight-reel moments. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or a casual viewer, the UFC 318 Fight Card is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about events of the year—don’t miss the chance to witness it all unfold.
